How to Subtract Sum of Several Cells from Fixed Number in Excel

In this lesson, I’ll demonstrate 4 effective approaches for subtracting the sum of several cells from a fixed number in Excel. These techniques will enable you to easily subtract the sum of several cells from a fixed number over huge datasets. You will master several crucial Excel features and functions during this article, which will come in extremely handy for any assignment using Excel.


📁 Download Excel File

The sample worksheet that was used during the discussion is available to download for free right here.


Learn to Subtract Sum of Several Cells from a Fixed Number in Excel Using These 4 Methods

We are using a dataset from a soil sample which is a mixture of various materials. We know the total weight of the mixture as well as the individual weights of the components mixed in the mixer except for water. So we will be solving this problem. We will calculate the weight of water by using 4 different methods in Excel. We will be Autosum, Conventional Subtraction, Paste Special tool, and VBA code.


Method 1

1. Using Autosum and Subtraction

This method is the go-to way of subtracting the sum of several cells from a fixed number in Excel. Here I will be using the AutoSum feature along with subtraction for the expected result. I will be using a dataset that describes a mixture of different known weighted substances. We will be calculating the weight of water from the mixture.

⬇️⬇️ STEPS ⬇️⬇️

  • First, use the AutoSum tool for the sum of column C.
  • Select cell C11 for summation.
  • Then from the ribbon go to the Home tab. Then from the rightmost side, click AutoSum.

Using Autosum function on how to subtract sum of several cells from fixed number

  • The dataset will look like this.
  • Hit Enter.
  • At this point select cell E6 as you want to subtract the sum of several cells from a fixed number in this cell. The Fixed Number is in cell D6
  • Now write the following formula.

=D6-C11

  • how to subtract sum of several cells from fixed number using subtractionPress Enter and you are good to go.

This is also how we can easily subtract the sum of several cells from a fixed number in Excel.


Method 2

2. Applying Conventional Subtraction Formula

This approach is the most simplest but time-consuming way of this solution. It doesn’t require any special formula or function or any kind of code. We will be simply subtracting each value one after another.

⬇️⬇️ STEPS ⬇️⬇️

  • Select the cell you want to subtract the sum of several cells from a fixed number we are selecting cell E6.
  • Write the following formula.

=D6-C6-C7-C8-C9-C10

  • how to subtract sum of several cells from fixed number conventional wayUse Enter to proceed.

And that is another way to subtract the sum of several cells from a fixed number in Excel.


Method 3

3. Utilizing Paste Special Feature

In Excel, we may paste only certain parts by using the Paste Special tool. Therefore, you may choose how you wish to paste the copied data. Moreover, this function allows you to do basic mathematical calculations. Let’s look at how to use this feature in our situation to subtract the sum of several cells from a fixed number.

⬇️⬇️ STEPS ⬇️⬇️

  • To start, choose cell D6 and type Ctrl+C to copy it.
  • Go to cell E6 and paste the contents using Ctrl+V.
  • Now select cell C11 and copy using CTRL+C.
  • Then after selecting cell E5, right-click on it.
  • After that, select Paste Special.
  • how to subtract sum of several cells from fixed number using paste special toolSelect All and Subtract from the menu as seen in the accompanying image, then click OK.

Paste special toolYou’ll see the results like this.


Method 4

4. Employing VBA Code

This is probably the best method to subtract the sum of several cells from a fixed number in Excel if you are familiar with VBA applications. Additionally, you may utilize the code for other purposes. In any case, you need the Developer tab to show on your ribbon to run any kind of VBA code. If you don’t have one by default, click here to show the Developer tab on your ribbon.

To use the VBA code, follow the instructions below.

⬇️⬇️ STEPS ⬇️⬇️

  • First, choose Visual Basic from the Developer tab.
  • Press Alt+F11 to open the VBA window.

  • In the VBA box, click on Module after choosing Insert.

VBA Application using module on how to subtract sum of several cells from fixed number

  • Enter the following code in the new window and click Save after that:
Sub SubtractfromFixedCell()
Range("C11").Value = Application.WorksheetFunction.Sum(Range("C6:C10"))
ActiveCell.Value = Range("D6") - Range("C11")
End Sub

how to subtract sum of several cells from fixed number VBA code

  • Now select the cell we are selecting E6 and then you need to go to the Macros option which you can do by going to the Developer tab in the ribbon. If you don’t have the Developer tab then go to the View tab in the ribbon then you’ll find Macros.

Macros option from ribbon

  • Go to View Macros if you have selected the more option part of the tab.

Macros in excel

  • Now select SubtractfromFixedCell and then Run.

How to Apply VBA code for subtract sum of several cells from fixed number

  • You’ll see the results like this.


📄 Important Notes

🖊️  Be careful while using the code as there are a lot of terms and if you lose concentration the code may be incorrect.

🖊️  Debugging the VBA code is a big issue.

🖊️  Ctrl+Alt+V can be used as a shortcut to launch Paste Special.

🖊️  The shortcut for the VBA window is Ctrl+F11.

🖊️  In addition, you may utilize manually entering the SUM Function in place of AutoSum.


📝 Takeaways from This Article

📌  Paste Special tool features can be used to even calculate.

📌  How to write a VBA code.

📌  AutoSum function and how it works.

📌  Subtracting the sum of several cells from a fixed number using the lowkey conventional method.

📌  Different ways of selecting the Macros option for VBA.


Conclusion

I hope you were able to use the techniques I demonstrated in this Excel lesson to subtract the total of numerous cells from a predetermined value. As you can see, there are a lot of options on how to do this. Decide deliberately on the approach that best addresses your circumstance. I advise repeating the steps if you become confused in any of the steps if you get stuck. Practice on your own after taking a look at the Subtract sum of several cells from the fixed number Excel file in the practice workbook as I’ve provided above cause practice makes a man perfect. I earnestly hope you can use it. Please share your experience with us in the comment box about how your experience was throughout the article and what we need to improve or add to make things better for you folks. Again if you have any problem regarding Excel spit it in the comment box. The Excelden crew is always available to answer your questions. Keep educating yourself by reading. For more Excel-related articles please visit our website Excelden.com.

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Nashid

Nashid

Hello there. I am Nashid, an Engineer. I Love music, traveling, sports and gaming. I have recently grown interest in DATA SCIENCE and wish to build a career over it. Excel is one of the greatest modern digital creation of human. Life simply gets easier. My Articles are meant to lead you to that easier life with efficiency. If you need any kind of help regarding my articles even anything else try contacting me on social platforms of which I've provided. Keep learning. Wish me luck and Thank you.

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